Three States Turn Red From Influenza

As the first part of the 2025-2026 influenza season comes to a close, three states have been classified as having flu outbreaks by the U.S. government.

According to the U.S. CDC FluView Week 49 report, ending December 6, 2025. Colorado, Louisiana, and New York are seeing significant numbers of influenza detections.

Additionally, the CDC reported two influenza-associated pediatric deaths during Week 49.

Furthermore, there is an early indication that this season's flu shots are effective.

Early estimates of 2025-26 influenza vaccine effectiveness in England against influenza-associated hospitalization remained within expected ranges of 70-75% for children and 30-40% for adults, suggesting that influenza vaccination remains an effective tool in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations this season.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older who has not yet been vaccinated this season get an annual influenza vaccine. This advice is especially valid when living in or visiting an area with a flu outbreak.

As of December 14, 2025, about 127 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed in the USA this season, and they are readily available at travel clinics and pharmacies.